Lycra brand owner Invista is teaming up with Seattle-based biotechnology company Arzeda to develop bio-derived processes, initially seeking a butadiene replacement for nylon production.
Arzeda is pioneering a new synthetic biology with its computational design technology for creating novel, reaction-specific optimised enzymes and designer organisms leveraging synthetic metabolic pathways.
“As we seek innovative solutions to increase the global supply of butadiene, we believe developing a cost-competitive bio-derived route will help assure ample supply and reduce price volatility,” said Bill Greenfield, executive vice president of Invista’s nylon intermediates business.
Arzeda has also been collaborating with DuPont on the development of enzymatic crop solutions.